Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast speech addressing the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, describing it as “underwhelming” and a “monumental, missed opportunity”.
In a series of tweets, Ezekwesili stated that Tinubu’s speech failed to connect with the concerns of citizens protesting on the streets over issues like the high cost of living. She argued the speech sounded more like a page from the president’s party manifesto rather than a direct response to the protesters’ demands.
“Your Speech reads like a page from your party manifesto and terribly failed to connect to what our Citizens on the Streets are angry and protesting about,” Ezekwesili posted on X. She added that the speech gave the impression Tinubu was trying to “get back at our enemies” rather than addressing citizens’ genuine grievances.
Ezekwesili urged Tinubu to take concrete actions to tackle the priority governance concerns raised by the protesters, rather than just saying he has heard their cries. She also called on the president to fish out and sanction law enforcement personnel who have killed or maimed peaceful protesters.
Other critics, including Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and journalist Dele Momodu, echoed Ezekwesili’s view that Tinubu’s speech failed to make meaningful concessions to the protesters or outline specific plans to resolve the issues fueling the demonstrations. However, some government officials like Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo praised the speech as compassionate and inspiring
